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22 November 2010

Kalki was raised in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu,with two sisters, their father a trucking executive. Kalki was sent to a boys' high school and felt out of place. While bunking classes, Kalki aged 14 met Apsara, who was already out as Thirunangai (daughter of god) and involved in a Thirunangai family, and Kalki became her Chela.

After a psychiatrist confirmed what Kalki said about herself, she was accepted by her family as trans and was able to complete her education. She was able to get a prescription for female hormones by contacting Thai doctors online. She did a BA in English and a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communications. While at university she published a monthly magazine, Sahodari (Sister) for trans women. After graduation she worked for a multinational company while she saved up for surgery, which she was able to obtain in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

Afterwards she quit and founded an organization called Sahodari. Now located in Chennai, she has campaigned for over a decade, meeting with the state government and other influential persons.

As a result, Tamil Nadu created a Transgender Welfare Board in 2008, has arranged reserved positions at university level for trans persons, free housing, a panel of doctors to treat trans persons, and free gender surgery. Trans persons have a special identity card to access the services. Tamil Nadu with good reason claims to provide the best services for trans persons in India.

Kalki has also set up a matrimonial website Thirunangai.net for trans persons, and made short documentary films. In 2009 she was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Lioness Club of Chennai, and also chosen by 'Ananda Vikatan' Tamil magazine as the 'Top Ten Nambikkaikal' (Youth hopes) for the year.

1 comment:

Hello kalki.. I was googling about you and then I read your words on Sowmiya. And now I saw a documentary on her as well. Such a pure heart and innocent soul forced to commit suicide due to the circumstances and the disapproval from the society. It certainly changed my view towards transgender women. Keep up the good work for people like Sowmiya and I think they look up to you as hope. I wish you luck and may Sowmiya's soul rest in peace.

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About Zagria

I have a social science degree. I spent several years in the 70s doing Gay Lib counselling, and moved on to organizing trans groups. I was rejected by the Clarke Institute (now CAMH) in the mid 1980s, probably because I do not match either of their stereotypes, but was accepted by Russel Reid on our first meeting in late 1987, and had surgery from James Dalrymple some months later. I have mainly worked as an IT consultant. I have been with the same husband for 45 years.